Charlie Dunn

By Gary Little

Charlie Dunn was a pacy back row forward who joined Gloucester from local club Coney Hill RFC in his mid-twenties after WWII. He was a regular first choice for the five seasons 1945-50. His appearances for Gloucestershire included a winning semi-final against Middlesex at Kingsholm in 1948-49.

Charlie was a renowned character who was often seen leaving his work at the last minute to rush to Kingsholm to play on Saturday or Thursday evenings. He was well known in the area having held various occupations which included serving on boats on the River Severn, giving a helping hand at Gloucester Cattle Market and working for the local Council. He was popularly known as 'Jigger' Dunn.

He was prepared to turn his hand to anything on the rugby field too, appearing on the wing on several occasions and at prop in lesser fixtures!

He made his debut for Gloucestershire in December 1948 in a crucial match against Somerset, which the county won 12-0 to reach the semi-finals of the Championship. He scored a try, outpacing the backs to touch down and prompted the Citizen reporter to write “One man who came into the team for the first time is not likely to be left out again. That man is Charlie Dunn who more than justified his place.”

Charlie Dunn retired at the end of the 1949-50 season, having made 159 appearances and scored 32 tries in his five years at the club.

Charlie passed away on 19 Dec 2014, and many members of his familiy have posted their thoughts in the Comments section, below. In addition they have written:

"TO one of the greatest legend's ever lived my dear Great Gramp Charlie...

It was a sad time when I had to see you go, you was always my hero and a true legend for everyone in the family

R.I.P

Grandad

By callumOn 23/04/2015

thank you for the memories Grandad x

By Naebh Caughey (Dunn)On 14/01/2015

RIP Gramps. Always in our hearts. Keep dancing to fern kinney with granny and mum. Till we see each other again. Love you grampy xxxx

By lesley mark reeve and stevenOn 05/01/2015

Gramps......you were a true legend and one that will be sadly missed....love always Jason (grandson) xx

By Jason GribbonOn 30/12/2014

My Great Grandad (my hero) a true legend!

I'm so proud that I was in your life...

This isn't a goodbye this is "farewell until we meet again"

my Great grandad forever in my heart...

Love you millions

Rhiannon, Preston, Cruze

xxx

By Rhiannon DunnOn 23/12/2014

My Grandad, My hero.

Lots of love

Jayne Mulcuck granddaughter xxxx

By Jayne MulcuckOn 22/12/2014

Legend on the field, Legend in the bar and Legend off the field, God bless you Gramp.

By Robert Smith (Grandson)On 20/12/2014

rip Charlie we loved you loads.

love Joyce and family x

By Joyce BrownOn 20/12/2014

Love you gramp r.i.p

By Rhiannon DunnOn 20/12/2014

RIP GRAMPY CHARLIE

Passed away 19/12/2014

Love Andy your Grandson x

By Andrew DunnOn 20/12/2014

My father, a TRUE Legend. Never recognised for his talent and when he did recieve his county cap it was in a brown paper bag years after he earned it, handed to him at his front door. This man should be in Gloucester Rugby club's hall of fame on his appearance record alone. '159' Do you get a county cap every time you play for the county, if so, he should have many more to come as only one was received!

By PETER DUNNOn 25/01/2011

Charlie lived next door to me & my family in Eastern Avenue years ago. Always be a legend to me. Didn't see him play (I was too young).